Being responsible feels just champion!

The best businesses give something back to the communities which sustain and support them and help to fuel their success. Now businesses in England and Wales which demonstrate this 'social responsibility' in their communities are being recognised through the Government's "National Responsible Business Champion" award scheme.

Organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Corporate Responsibility Group (APCRG), the scheme encourages MPs to look at the activities of companies in their constituencies and consider how they are acting responsibly. MPs can nominate any company in their constituency which they feel should be considered for the award.

Earlier this year Acorn Stairlifts, based in Steeton, West Yorkshire, was delighted to be nominated by our local Keighley and Ilkley MP Kris Hopkins, making us officially the Keighley Responsible Business Champion 2016.

Now our nomination has also made it through to the top 25 nationally, together with big name businesses including Zurich Insurance, Marks and Spencer, Standard Life, Carrillion plc and Manchester Airport. Later this month those 25 will be whittled down to a national shortlist of 10 companies, with the overall National Responsible Business Champion for 2016 due to be announced on Wednesday July 13th.

Presenting a certificate to Acorn Stairlifts, Kris Hopkins MP said: "The title of Keighley Responsible Business Champion 2016 recognises the work that Acorn Stairlifts undertakes in supporting the local community and national charities, making a real difference to vulnerable people's lives. There have been a large number of entries this year and it is a real achievement to have been selected as one of the top 25 companies in what is a very strong field."

The certificate recognises Acorn's work with a number of organisations. Locally we have a longstanding relationship with the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, located just a few miles from our head offices. Acorn staff fundraise for Manorlands through a wide variety of activities, raising almost £18,000 last year and hoping to top £20,000 this year. We have also donated around 25 stairlifts to Manorlands patients, allowing them to be cared for in their own homes.

Working with our local Marie Curie Hospice, at Bradford, has also led to a new national partnership with the charity, which cares for terminally ill people and their families. Launched this year, the scheme will see Acorn fit up to 60 free stairlifts per year for Marie Curie patients across the UK. We also regularly donate stairlifts to people in cases of exceptional hardship or need, where our fast installation service can bring instant relief.

Commenting on our Keighley Responsible Business Champion award, Acorn company secretary Dave Belmont said: "We are honoured to have been recognised through this award. It is a real endorsement of the work that Acorn and our staff do within the Keighley constituency and beyond."

Next week will bring the shortest day of the year, on December 21st, and with the shortest day comes the longest night. Unfortunately, the long dark nights also mean that this time of year traditionally sees an increase in the number of burglaries.